JP's Natural Pet Supplements Blog Posts

                                           Stress and anxiety in dogs.

 

What causes stress and anxiety in dogs?

 

Sometimes it might seem like this negative behaviour comes out of nowhere, but it is usually brought on by some change in routine, environment, or activity. More owners are noticing anxiety in their dogs. Separation anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety in dogs, and this can affect dogs that have gone through trauma or have been abandoned in the past. This is a common with many rescue dogs, also dogs that haven’t had the correct training at the beginning of their life, and the role of genetics also plays a part in dogs’ behaviour.

Anal gland problems in dogs

Many dog owners have seen their dog scoot along the floor with their back legs in the air and dragging their bum along. This common occurrence in dogs is most often caused by anal gland problems but it can also be caused by inflammation or infection around the anus. Your Vet can quickly diagnose the problem by looking at the perineal area and checking the anal glands. Anal gland problems are quite common with about 12% of dogs having an anal gland problem during their lifetime.

As a dog trainer, I see this all the time, with owners and their dogs and this is why dog trainers end up being called out to help with many behavioural problems. It is normal to love your dog so much that you treat them as a member of the family, as another sibling or child who deserves all the affection you have to give. But could showering your dog with constant love and affection actually be smothering them?

The Festive period is upon us again and what an amazing time of year to be with your family and your dog who is obviously part of your family. Just like bonfire night, it is a good idea to start planning now for your dog, for example your dog may be nervous when visitors arrive and go over their threshold. 

Research has shown how the gut and brain are connected and it is referred to as the gut brain axis. What happens in the gut has been shown to have a positive or negative effect in the brain of dogs and people. A healthy functioning gut microbiome has many beneficial effects not only in the gut but also in the brain. The complex community of bacteria and other microorganisms in the gut is called the microbiome.

When deciding to buy a puppy, think about your lifestyle. What breed of dog are you looking for that suits your lifestyle e.g., your home environment, space, and work commitments? Do you like lots of holidays throughout the year? Are you a lazy person? If you are a lazy person, then for example a Malinois dog will not suit you! 

Teaching your puppy or dog to respond to the whistle.

For the safety of your dog, other dogs, and people, recall is one of the most important exercises that you can teach your puppy or dog. At no point should you let your Westie off the lead until you have mastered this exercise. Teaching your dog to respond to the whistle has several advantages. A whistle lacks emotion, and it is consistent, unlike a person’s voice. Some owners will panic or get angry when they are attempting to recall their dog.

Idiopathic Canine Shaker Syndrome (ICSS) is a condition involving generalized head and body tremors in dogs. Idiopathic means that the exact cause is unknown, and this disease disproportionately affects small white dogs such as West Highland White Terriers. The cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls coordination, and the regulation of voluntary muscular movement becomes inflamed, this is called cerebellitis. 

Many behavioural problems have a component of fear, anxiety, or excessive arousal so, that retraining cannot begin until they are in a calm and relaxed state, so that benefits can be achieved on cue. Training should focus on both the behavioural responses (sit, down and walk stay on your mat) as well as the emotional state (calm and relaxed).

Some dog owners believe that letting their puppy play with as many dogs as possible at a youthful age will make their puppy more sociable and friendly to people and other dogs. Letting them play with dogs you do not know in the park can be so damaging long term, especially if owners cannot read their own dogs body language. Your puppy can end up being bullied and chased by other dogs and this can end up having a negative effect on your puppy in the future

The aim of Boswellia Serrata in the Joint Support formulations is to act as a natural anti-inflammatory. A systematic review published in 2008 in the British Medical Journal, concluded that ‘the evidence for effectiveness of Boswellia is encouraging’ and ‘warrants further investigation’. A review of the anti-inflammatory properties of a range of food supplements showed Boswellia performed well in the control of pain and inflammatory conditions. A number of studies have confirmed the safety of Boswellia.